Burleigh Heads in the 1930s. Figure 8
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Human HabitationBurleigh Heads was inhabited by the Kombumerri people also known as the 'salt water people'. They called Burleigh Beach a sacred place and Burleigh Heads was known as Jellurgal. Jellurgal in English translates to honey. Evidence that Aboriginal people frequented this area is found all around Burleigh Heads National park. There are many piles of scraps and leftovers found from the Kombumerri people. These food piles are called 'Middens', but in English are 'Rubbish Dumps'. Trees around the park have also been stripped to bark.
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Values and Beliefs to the people. |
The Kombmerri people believed that Burleigh Beach was a sacred place protected by spirits. Jabreen; the creation spirit, was told to have been the creator of Burleigh Headland. The legend says he fell alseep whilst eating eating Jellurgal or 'Honey'. When he woke up the Burleigh Headland appeared.
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Kombumerri People were known for their respect and beliefs. They respected animals and used ochre for special events. Komumerri people had a very special relationship with dolphins. When looking for fish, the Kombumerri people would tap of the water and the dolphins would recognise the sound and person and would go catch the fish for them. In return, the Kombumerri people would share their fish with the dolphins. Ochre was used for special events. The colour of the ochre would determine what type of event it was. If the ochre was red, it would represent a sad time. Whereas if the ochre is yellow, this would represent a tribal event. Ochre was often used for communication.